If you are looking for a set of all-terrain tires for a light truck or SUV, Nitto Tire has you covered. Whether you are a hardcore off-roader, weekend four-wheeler, or dedicated pavement pounder, there is always a Grappler for you. In this article, we will discuss about two Grappler tires, which are NittoTrail Grappler and Nitto Ridge Grappler. There are many people who get confused in choosing between these two models. Both are designed for both on-road comfort and off-road prowess. However, Nitto Trail Grappler is more recommended for heavy mud and rock climbing, whereas Nitto Ridge Grappler offers better highway performance. Continue reading below for more details on Nitto Trail Grappler vs Ridge Grappler!
About Nitto Trail Grappler
According to the manufacturer, Nitto Trail Grappler is a result of a blend between the off-road performance of Mud Grappler and the on-road comfort of Terra Grappler. This is mainly an off-road tire which is aggressive yet quiet. When it comes to a dynamic mud terrain, you can’t get any better than Nitto Trail Grappler. The advanced engineering of the tread design ensures uncompromising reliability in various environments despite the smooth and quiet ride. Nitto Trail Grappler is available for a wide range of wheel sizes, starting from 15 inches all the way up to 24 inches.
About Nitto Ridge Grappler
On the other hand, Nitto Ridge Grappler is said to be a representation of the next generation of the Grappler tire family. It features a revolutionary hybrid tread pattern that brings the best of both mud-terrain tires and all-terrain tires. It is described as a ground-breaking model which combines the power of Trail Grappler and the all-weather precision of Terra Grappler G2. This tire is available with an optional F load rating, which means that it is able to handle the weight of a one-ton truck without an issue.
However, when choosing between Nitto Trail Grappler vs Ridge Grappler, don’t forget to consider the size that you need. Nitto Ridge Grappler is only available in fewer sizes, for wheel diameters of 17 inches – 22 inches.
Construction and Tread Pattern
Nitto Trail Grappler is very rugged and durable. It boasts a three-ply sidewall with thick rubber construction for superior puncture resistance. The specially designed tread block arrangement was made using a 3D computer simulation to allow the engineers to systematically adjust the shape, size, and position of the tread blocks. Compared to Mud Grappler, is 36% quieter at highway speeds and 34% quieter at street speeds. Despite the highly aggressive tread design, the tire actually has a nicely uniform surface for a smooth ride when driving on a paved road.
Meanwhile, the reinforced shoulder grooves ensure tread block stiffness and enhanced off-road and all-season performance. On the tread surface, you can find deep sipes with a central siping. They effectively reduce hydroplaning and increase wet traction. If you observe the tire, you may also notice that the sipes are pretty wide. The balanced void ratio is aimed for efficient mud and dirt removal so that the tire can provide continuous off-road traction. (Read also : Nitto Trail Grappler vs Toyo Open Country MT)
On the other hand, Nitto Ridge Grappler comes with a variable pitch tread pattern which has been optimized to deliver a smooth and quiet highway ride. The shoulder grooves are put with alternating lengths and widths to improve water and mud evacuation. There are also lateral Z grooves that are arranged in a zig-zag pattern, creating additional biting edges for extra traction on difficult surfaces.
Nitto Ridge Grappler is equipped with stone ejectors that are effective at preventing stones and gravels from getting stuck inside the sipes. In addition, the tread blocks are very, very durable. The reinforced block foundation ensures rigidity and shape integrity.
On-Road Performance
So, which one of Nitto Trail Grapplervs Ridge Grappler is more comfortable on the road? Although Nitto Trail Grappler is generally considered as a versatile all-terrain tire, it scores lower than Nitto Ridge Grappler in the on-road sector. Of course, for an all-terrain tire, it is already quite smooth and quiet. However, the tread design is optimized more for off-road applications than on-road runs. If you take it to the highway, you will notice some vibration and noise. The wide sipes also seem to slightly reduce the tire’s grip on wet roads.
On the other hand, Nitto Ridge Grappler offers much better on-road performance. The sipes aren’t wide, but there are lots of sipes that create many biting edges for increased grip and traction on wet roads. But the most noticeable improvement is the quietness. This tire is much smoother and quieter. The performance is excellent; it enables you to drive confidently on the highway despite the weather condition.
Off-Road Performance
Regarding the off-road performance of Nitto Trail Grappler vs Ridge Grappler, the first tire is the one that holds the better edge. If your primary use is for rock crawling, Nitto Trail Grappler is very hard to beat. The tread design enables the tire to grip very well onto harsh, rocky surfaces. It is also an excellent tire for driving through mud and snow due to the thick elements. It is very reliable in various off-road conditions even the difficult ones.
On the other hand, Nitto Ridge Grappler scores lower in this sector. It is still a very good off-road tire, but it is not the best choice for difficult mud terrains or rock climbing. However, you may be surprised by the toughness. The tread elements are seriously strong, and they protect the main construction very well.
Conclusion
Both Nitto Trail Grappler and Nitto Ridge Grappler are excellent all-terrain tires, but they have different advantages. Nitto Trail Grappler should be your choice if your main use is off-road applications or rock climbing. The off-road performance is unbeatable. But this tire is not the smoothest or quietest tire on the road. On the other hand, Nitto Ridge Grappler makes a better choice if you prefer a significantly smoother and quieter tire. It is awesome on the road, yet still very much reliable in off-road conditions. Still, it won’t be very good for rock climbing.